On the #EndSARS Protests By Femi Mimiko, mni
On the #EndSARS Protests
I had noted in an October 10, 2020, tweet that ‘The (#EndSARS) protests have enormous potentials for expansion in scope.’ Government has to be quite sensitive to this, and manage the crises creatively and expeditiously. There is so much frustration out there among the youth population across the country that government would do well to acknowledge; and thus navigate most carefully. The scale of extant economic hardship is terrifying, especially now with Covid-19.
In addition, many are of the feeling that our elections are not consequential and, therefore, do not avail Nigerian youths the opportunity to press their aspirations and agenda. As someone noted, this is certainly not the time for government bravado at all. Everything (especially police response) must be done to ensure the protests remain peaceful.
The announced disbanding of SARS by the IGP was very much in order. So also, the reconciliatory tone of PMB’s broadcast on the subject. But the announcement that a new formation (SWAT) had been launched to replace SARS was ill timed and ill advised. Thus, SWAT too may have to be rested immediately.
Government must strive to identify the leadership of the protests and enter into negotiations, and be willing to make far reaching concessions. Time is of the essence in all of these.
Femi Mimiko, mni.
Oct. 14, 2020
